Heather Kurland
Norton
Summary
Committed, dedicated educator with a proven ability to create engaging, supportive learning environments for Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade students. Skilled in lesson planning, curriculum design, and student engagement strategies. Strong communicator with a focus on continuous self-improvement. Demonstrated leadership in applying effective classroom management techniques, leading to measurable improvements in student performance and behavior.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Student-Teacher
Pre-Kindergarten and First Grade
08.2024 - Current
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Monitored classrooms for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Promoted positive and productive learning environment to increase engagement and rapport with students and teachers.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem solving skills to enable students to step out of comfort zone.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Nanny
Private Families
09.2022 - Current
- Engaged with children on age-appropriate level.
- Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
- Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
- Supported children in play activities, meals, and snacks, hygiene and socialization.
- Developed and implemented behavior management strategies to minimize indiscipline and guide children in attaining positive behavior.
Teacher's Assistant
Tina's Little Angel's
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Promoted learning and social development through structured and unstructured playtime.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Kept children between ages of 6 months and 5 years safe and secure with vigilant oversight.
- Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free areas to protect kids, personnel and families.
Gymnastics Coach
Oleary's Gymnastics Center
06.2016 - 08.2024
- Collaborated with coaches, students, and administrators to run high-quality program.
- Coordinated with other instructors and coaches to determine student advancement and progress.
- Developed "lesson plans" and routines for individual students to meet personal goals and abilities.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve technique and performance.
- Developed and implemented new drills and activities to increase student engagement and growth.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA05-2025
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Child Development Knowledge
- Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development
- Communication Skills
- Patience and Empathy
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Health and Safety Knowledge
- Time Management and Organization
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Leadership and Initiative
Timeline
Student-Teacher
Pre-Kindergarten and First Grade
08.2024 - Current
Teacher's Assistant
Tina's Little Angel's
05.2024 - 09.2024
Nanny
Private Families
09.2022 - Current
Gymnastics Coach
Oleary's Gymnastics Center
06.2016 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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